Long Delays On M6 After Van Crash

Mei Lin

3 min read

Post on May 25, 2025

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A serious van crash on the M6 motorway has caused significant disruption, leading to extensive delays for motorists this morning. The incident, which occurred at approximately 8:00 AM near Junction 16 (Crewe), is causing major tailbacks in both northbound and southbound directions. This article provides the latest updates on the M6 traffic situation, including affected areas, alternative routes, and how to stay informed.

Extent of the Delays and Affected Areas

The van crash has resulted in extremely long queues stretching for several miles on both sides of the M6. The northbound carriageway is particularly affected, with delays extending back to Junction 18 (Tofts). Southbound traffic is also experiencing significant congestion, reaching back towards Junction 17 (Sandbach).

• Affected Areas:
  • Northbound: Junctions 16-18 (Crewe - Middlewich)
  • Southbound: Junctions 17-16 (Sandbach - Crewe)
• Towns and Cities Experiencing Delays: Crewe, Nantwich, Middlewich, Sandbach are experiencing the most significant delays.
• Estimated Travel Time Increases: Travel times are currently estimated to be at least three times longer than normal in the affected areas. Motorists should anticipate significant delays.

Cause of the Accident and Emergency Response

While the exact cause of the van crash is still under investigation, early reports suggest it involved a single vehicle. Emergency services, including the police, ambulance service, and fire service, responded swiftly to the scene. The extent of any injuries sustained remains unclear, though reports suggest at least one person was taken to hospital. Further details will be released by authorities as they become available. The incident highlights the importance of safe driving practices on busy motorways like the M6.

Alternative Routes and Traffic Management

Drivers are advised to avoid the M6 between Junctions 16 and 18 if possible. Alternative routes include:

• Northbound: Using the A500 and A54 to bypass the affected section of the M6.
• Southbound: Using the A51 and A530 to circumvent the congestion.

Highways England is actively managing the situation, implementing lane closures and diversions as needed. Check the official Highways England website and other real-time traffic sources for the most up-to-date information before beginning your journey. Always follow the directions of traffic officers and be mindful of emergency services.

Expected Duration and Updates

At present, it's difficult to provide an exact timeframe for when the delays will clear on the M6. Highways England estimates the road to be fully operational again by late afternoon, but this is subject to change depending on the progress of the accident investigation and the clearance process.

To stay updated on the situation, drivers are encouraged to use the following resources:

• Traffic apps: Use popular navigation apps like Google Maps, Waze, or TomTom for real-time traffic updates.
• Radio updates: Listen to local radio stations that typically provide live traffic reports.
• Highways England website: Check the official Highways England website for the latest incident information.

Remember to check for updates before you begin your journey. Conditions can change rapidly, so remaining informed is crucial for safe and efficient travel.

Conclusion

The van crash on the M6 near Junction 16 has caused significant and widespread delays, affecting many motorists travelling through Cheshire. To avoid the M6 delays, carefully consider using the alternative routes suggested above and stay informed about traffic conditions. Check live traffic updates regularly before travelling on the M6. Plan your journey accordingly to avoid becoming caught in the extensive queues. The situation will continue to be monitored, so be sure to check traffic updates before your journey to ensure a smooth and safe trip. Avoid the M6 delays and ensure a safer journey by planning ahead and staying informed.